Cable protection device and system

ABSTRACT

A cover is provided for protecting cables. The cover includes a first cover member and a second cover member. The second cover member is configured to mate with the first cover member to define conduits that enclose and permit passage therethrough of one or more cables. Plural covers are couplable to form an articulating cover system operable to enclose a selected length of cable(s). The covers may be employed to protect hoses, pipes, ducts and the like.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/221,653, filed Mar. 21, 2014, and claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/804,323, filed Mar. 22, 2013, andU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/867,775, filed Aug. 20, 2013,the entireties of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to protective devices and in particular,protective covers for power cables.

BACKGROUND

Power outages and shortages are commonplace. To deal with such outages,and to avoid and/or minimize shortages/blackouts, it is typical forelectric power cables to be added to the power grid to bypass damagedelectrical equipment and/or problem areas, such as areas where overloadmay occur, while the electrical equipment is being repaired. These powercables, which house live electric wires in various sizes, and typicallyare laid on the ground surface, sometimes in pedestrian areas, need tobe covered in some way to protect pedestrians from accidental shock andthe cables themselves from damage. Currently, such protection isprovided by boxing the cables with wooden boards nailed together. Theinstallation of such boxes is labor intensive and the use of nails andnail guns near the cables invites disaster.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

There is a need in the art for a protective device for exposed cablesthat are situated in pedestrian areas. It would be advantageous toprovide a protective device that may be adapted to any length of cableand provide protection for the cable over varying terrain. It would befurther advantageous to provide such a device that would permit movementof the protected cable without removing the protective device from thecable. It would be further advantageous to provide such a device that iseasy to install and remove but include features that prevent inadvertentremoval.

In accordance with one embodiment, a cable protection cover is providedwhich includes a first cover member and a second cover member configuredto enclose a segment of power cable. The second cover member isconfigured to mate with the first cover member to define at least oneconduit configured to receive a length of cable to be protected. In oneembodiment plural conduits are defined. The first cover member andsecond cover member may be configured to be removably and securelyconnected to each other and to adjacent similar or same cable protectioncovers.

In one embodiment each of the first and second cover members includes atleast one recess formed therein on a first side and a post extendingsubstantially perpendicular from a surface of a second side opposite thefirst side, wherein the recess is dimensioned to receive a post of anadjacent same cover member. The posts and recesses of the first andsecond cover members are configured and operable to provide coupling andarticulation between adjacent covers.

In one embodiment the covers disclosed herein are configured with twosubstantially parallel conduits to enclose two cables side by side, eachof which may be any diameter, for example 1 to 4 inches in diameter. Itwill be apparent the cover may be any size required for a particularapplication, and the conduits may likewise be any size. In oneembodiment the cables to be enclosed may be 3.25 inches in diameter. Thediameter of the conduits of the cover may be any size required toenclose cables, for example, from about 1 to about 5 inches.

In accordance with a further embodiment, a protective cover as disclosedherein may includes a first cover member and a second cover memberconfigured to mate with the first cover member to define at least oneconduit operable to enclose a length of material to be protected, thefirst cover member including first surface having a recess formedtherein proximate a first end of the first cover member, a secondsurface opposite the first surface having a post extending substantiallyperpendicular from the second surface, the post positioned proximate asecond end of the first cover member opposite the first end, and atleast one mating element disposed along at least a portion of aperiphery of the first cover member, the second cover member including afirst surface having a post extending substantially perpendiculartherefrom proximate a first end of the second cover member and a secondsurface opposite the first surface including a recess formed therein,the recess positioned proximate a second end of the second cover memberopposite the first end, and at least one mating element disposed alongat least a portion of a periphery of the second cover member, whereinthe at least one mating element of the first cover member is operable toreleasably engage the at least one mating element of the second covermember, wherein the cover is configured to be articulatably coupled toan adjacent cover.

As used herein, the term “articulatably” means coupled elements form ajoint which permits relative movement (e.g., including pivotablemovement, etc.) between the coupled elements.

In one embodiment, the first cover member may include a wall disposed onand extending substantially perpendicular from the first cover membersecond surface, and the second cover member may include a wall disposedon and extending substantially perpendicular from the second covermember first surface, wherein at least a portion of the wall of thefirst cover member and at least a portion of the wall of the secondcover member are configured to abut when the first cover member iscoupled to the second cover member.

In a further embodiment, the first cover member may include at least onehemispherical section formed in the second surface thereof, the at leastone hemispherical section oriented along the axis of the first andsecond ends of the first cover member. The second cover member may alsoinclude at least one hemispherical section formed in the first surfacethereof, the at least one hemispherical section oriented along the axisof the first and second ends of the second cover member. Each of thehemispherical sections may define substantially half, or more or less,of the conduit(s).

In still a further embodiment, the at least one mating element of thefirst cover member may include a flange extending from a side thereofand at least one lip depending from the flange, and the at least onemating element of the second cover member may include a flange extendingfrom a side thereof and at least one lip receiving aperture configuredto receive the at least one lip of the first cover member. The matingelements of the first cover member and second cover member may in oneembodiment be operable to be slidably engageable to each other.

In a further embodiment, the first member may be nestable and/orstackable on like first members for compact storage. The second membermay likewise be nestable and/or stackable. In another embodiment, thecover members may include one or more ribs to stiffen the first and/orsecond member to distribute any loads on the first and second members.

In another embodiment, the cover includes alternate or additional meansto secure the first and second members to each other. For example, anaperture may be formed between mating surfaces for receiving a screw orthe like to secure the first and second members.

In one embodiment the first cover member and the second cover member mayinclude releasable mating means operable to lock the respective members.The cable protection cover may also include a quick-release mechanismwhich may be positioned for easy access by a user. In one embodiment thequick-release device is positioned under an outer edge of the cableprotection device so that it is not readily apparent to pedestrians. Inone embodiment the cover includes a quick-release device operable tosecurably engage the first and second cover members and further operableto release secure engagement of the first and second cover members uponapplication of manual pressure to the quick-release device.

In one embodiment the cable protection cover includes a means to securethe cover to a surface such as a roadway. For example, a recess oraperture may be formed in a first member, and a corresponding recess oraperture formed in the second member in register with the first memberrecess or aperture, for receiving a stake which may be driven throughthe assembled cable protection device and through the ground. The covermay include surfaces operable to receive reflective sheeting such aspressure sensitive reflective sheeting.

The first surface of the second cover member may include a regioncontoured to receive a portion of, and provide pivotable engagementwith, a second surface of an adjacent second cover member. The regionmay include the post of the second cover member. The first surface ofthe first cover member may include a region contoured to receive aportion of, and provide pivotable engagement with, a second surface ofan adjacent first cover member. The region may include the recess of thefirst cover member.

The covers disclosed herein may be constructed of any suitable material.The covers are preferably formed of resilient, durable material so as tobe reusable after each use. In one embodiment the first and second covermembers are constructed of HDPE, polymers with similar characteristics,fiberglass, metal, ceramic or other materials. The first and secondcover members may be unitarily molded covers.

The covers disclosed herein may be sized and dimensioned to accommodateany cable or plural cables. In one embodiment, covers may havedimensions of about 12 to about 48 inches in length and about 8 to about16 inches in width. The height of each cable protection device may befrom about 4 to about 8 inches. In one embodiment the device is 12.26inches in width, 14.21 inches in length and 6.11 inches in height. Inanother embodiment the device is 12.26 inches in width, about 48 inchesin length and 6.11 inches in height. However, those skilled in the artwill recognize that the dimensions of the covers may be modified withoutdeparting from the spirit and/or scope of the invention.

In accordance with one embodiment, a segmented articulating cableprotection system is provided in which adjacent cable protection coversare couplable to each other such that the adjacent covers are moveablein relation to each other. The system is configured to completelycontain one or more cables such that it protects the cables from outsideelements and pedestrians from shock or other injury. The system isoperable to flex in multiple directions including left, right, up anddown and various degrees in between without any other parts orattachments. For example, the system is operable to articulate andthereby bend around corners and over curbs, speed bumps or any otheruneven surface.

In one embodiment, a protective cover system includes a plurality ofprotective covers, each of the protective covers including a first covermember and a second cover member configured to mate with the first covermember to define at least one conduit operable to enclose a length ofmaterial to be protected, the first cover member having a first surfaceincluding a recess formed therein proximate a first end of the firstcover member, a second surface opposite the first surface including apost extending substantially perpendicular from the second surface, thepost positioned proximate a second end of the first cover memberopposite the first end, and at least one mating element disposed alongat least a portion of a periphery of the first cover member, the secondcover member including a first surface including a post extendingsubstantially perpendicular therefrom proximate a first end of thesecond cover member and a second surface opposite the first surfaceincluding a recess formed therein, the recess positioned proximate asecond end of the second cover member opposite the first end, and atleast one mating element disposed along at least a portion of aperiphery of the second cover member, wherein the at least one matingelement of the first cover member is operable to releasably engage theat least one mating element of the second cover member, wherein thecovers are configured to be articulatably coupled to adjacent covers.

The devices and systems disclosed herein enable power companies toquickly and efficiently house/protect power lines with a reusableproduct enhancing worker and pedestrian safety, and decrease thelikelihood of damage to power lines. The first member is easilyremovable from the second member without the need to move the cablehoused within the device. The first and second members of each cableprotection device form a cover which is securely connectable to adjacentcovers via a tool-free connection.

Cable cover systems in accordance with the disclosure are operable toprevent access and completely hide cables from view, even as the jointsare articulated. The devices and systems disclosed do not trap water,and are preferably made of durable material with low percentage waterabsorption. The devices and systems provide a means for allowing thecable to be routed around corners. For example, in some embodiments,there is a minimum bend radius of 4 feet on center of cable cover when a12 inch long device is employed. In a longer device, for example, a 48inch long segment, the radius has a proportional bend radius. Devices inaccordance with the present disclosure are configured and constructed towithstand heavy loads.

Moreover, the covers disclosed herein may be used to protect, hoses,ducts, pipes and the like.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purposes of illustration, there are forms shown in the drawingsthat are presently preferred, it being understood, however, that theinvention is not limited to the precise arrangements andinstrumentalities shown.

FIG. 1 is an elevated perspective view of a cable protection cover inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the cable protection cover of FIG. 1taken along line A-A′ with a cable 2 shown partially in phantom;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the cable protection cover of FIG. 1taken along line B-B′;

FIG. 4 is an elevated perspective view of a first cover member of acable protection cover in accordance with one or more embodiments of thepresent invention;

FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the cover member of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a second cover member of a cable protectioncover in accordance with one or more embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 7A is a top view of a first cover member in accordance with oneembodiment disposed on a second cover member in a first position readyto be slidably engaged to the second cover member by movement in thedirection shown by arrow A in accordance with one or more embodiments ofthe present invention;

FIG. 7B is a top view of a first cover member in accordance with oneembodiment disposed on a second cover member in a second positionengaged to the second cover member in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 8A is a bottom plan view of a second cover member of a cableprotection cover in accordance with one or more embodiments of thepresent invention;

FIG. 8B is a perspective view of a quick-release element 50 inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 8C is a top plan view of a first cover member engaged to a secondcover member in accordance with one or more embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 8D is a perspective view of a tool operable to be used inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 8E is a perspective view of the tool of FIG. 8D seated in aposition relative to a cover in accordance with one or more embodimentsof the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a cover in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 10A is a top view of two adjacent second cover members operablylinked to each other in accordance with one or more embodiments of thepresent invention;

FIG. 10B is a top view of two adjacent second cover members operablylinked to each other, and a first cover member positioned in contactwith and releasably connected to one of the two adjacent cover membersin accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 10C is a top view of two adjacent second cover members operablylinked to each other, and two adjacent first cover members operablylinked to each other, and positioned in contact with and releasablyconnected to the respective second cover members in accordance with oneor more embodiments of the present invention; and

FIGS. 11A and 11B are schematic depictions of systems in accordance withone or more embodiments of the present invention, showing articulationof the system over various terrain changes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which illustrativeembodiments of the invention are shown. In the drawings, the relativesizes of regions or features may be exaggerated for clarity. Thisinvention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and shouldnot be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather,these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thoroughand complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to thoseskilled in the art.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being“coupled” or “connected” to another element, it can be directly coupledor connected to the other element or intervening elements may also bepresent. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directlycoupled” or “directly connected” to another element, there are nointervening elements present. Like numbers refer to like elementsthroughout. As used herein the term “and/or” includes any and allcombinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

In addition, spatially relative terms, such as “under”, “below”,“lower”, “over”, “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease ofdescription to describe one element or feature's relationship to anotherelement(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will beunderstood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompassdifferent orientations of the device in use or operation in addition tothe orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device inthe figures is inverted, elements described as “under” or “beneath”other elements or features would then be oriented “over” the otherelements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “under” can encompassboth an orientation of over and under. The device may be otherwiseoriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatiallyrelative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

Well-known functions or constructions may not be described in detail forbrevity and/or clarity.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Asused herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify thepresence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements,and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of oneor more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements,components, and/or groups thereof.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will befurther understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly useddictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that isconsistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art andwill not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unlessexpressly so defined herein.

Embodiments of the present invention may be used to protect for exposedcables situated in pedestrian areas. For example, covers and systemsdisclosed herein provide a protective device that may be adapted to anylength of cable and provide protection for the cable over varyingterrain. The disclosed covers permit movement of the protected cablewithout removing the cover from the cable. The disclosed covers andsystems are easy to install and remove but include features that preventinadvertent removal.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described withreference to the FIGS. With reference to FIGS. 1-7, a protective cover100 according to embodiments of the invention is shown. The protectivecover 100 includes a first cover member 102 and a second cover member152. In the closed position illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the second covermember 152 mates with the first cover member 102 to define conduits 202,204 operable to enclose and permit passage therethrough of cable 2 to beprotected. As illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, the first cover member 102 andthe second cover member 152 may include hemispherical sections formedtherein, each of which define substantially half of the conduits 202,204. However, in other embodiments each of the cover members 102, 152may form less or more than half of the conduits 202, 204.

With further reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, first cover member 102 includesrecess 106 in a top surface thereof positioned at a first end of thecover member 102 and a mating element operable to engage a complementarymating element of the second cover member 152. In one embodiment, themating element may include flanges 122 extending from sides of the firstcover member 102 and lips 123 depending from the flanges 122. Firstcover member 102 may further include wall 108 extending along a longaxis of the bottom side of the first cover member 102, ribs 115supporting wall 108 for structural integrity, and post 104 positioned ata second end of the cover member 102 and extending upward from thebottom surface of the cover member 102. Hemispherical sections 202 a and204 a, which may each form approximately half of conduits 202 and 204,respectively, may be formed between side wall 132 and wall 108 (forming202 a) and side wall 134 and wall 108 (forming 204 a). First covermember 102 may further include apertures 110 and/or 120, which may be inregister with like apertures formed in the second cover member 152, andtool brace 114.

With further reference to FIG. 6, second cover member 152 includes post154 positioned at a first end of the cover member 152 and extendingupward from the top surface of the second cover member 152, a recess 156(see also FIGS. 3 and 8A) formed in the bottom surface and positioned ata second end of the second cover member 152 and a mating elementoperable to engage a complementary mating element of the first covermember 102. In one embodiment the mating element may include flanges 164and 166 extending from a side of the second cover member 152 and tabs166 and apertures 165 positioned on the flanges 164. The second covermember 152 may further include a wall 158 extending along a long axis ofthe top side of the second cover member 152. Hemispherical sections 202b and 204 b, which each form approximately half of conduits 202 and 204,respectively, may be formed between side wall 182 and wall 158 (formingsection 202 b) and side wall 184 and wall 158 (forming section 204 b).Second cover member 152 may further include apertures 180 and/or 190,which may be in register with like apertures 110 and 120, respectively,formed in the first cover member 102 and tool access opening 198.

With further reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B, the first cover member 102may be coupled to second cover member 152 by positioning the first covermember so that end 109 of wall seats in recess 160 formed in wall 158 ofsecond cover member 152 and flanges 122 of the first cover member 102are aligned and seated in channels 167 of flanges 164 of the secondcover member 152. Lips 123 seat in apertures 165 formed in the channels167. Advancing the first cover member 102 in the direction of arrow A ofFIG. 7A causes the lips 123 of the first cover member to slidably engageflanges 164 via apertures 165 to form a releasable engagement betweenthe first and second cover members 102, 152.

It will be apparent to the skilled artisan that the mating elements ofthe first and second cover members 102 and 152 may be juxtaposed. Itwill also be apparent that other mating means, such as clamps,adhesives, kook and loop fasteners or the like, may be used to form anenclosure from the covers 102, 152.

Furthermore, in some embodiments, the respective cover members 102, 152may be a unitary assembly hingedly connected at edges thereof, forexample, by a living hinge or the like. However, the use of two covermembers as illustrated in the figures may facilitate installation of theprotective cover 100 on one or more cables. It will be furtherunderstood that the respective cover members 102, 152 may be parts thatmay be interchangeably used as the first cover member 102 or the secondcover member 152 based on the orientation of application of therespective cover.

With further reference to FIG. 8A, a bottom side of the second covermember 152 includes post 156 and optionally braces 172 to provide alevel surface-contacting face for the second cover member. In theillustrated embodiment, the second cover member is typically employed asa base piece which contacts the ground. Braces 172 provide stabilizingstructures for ground contact.

Cover member 152 may include a quick-release device 50 for decouplingthe first and second cover members 102, 152. With further reference toFIG. 8B, quick-release device 50 may be a resilient strip such as metal,plastic or the like positioned in a flange 164 and retained by tabs 173.Device 50 includes a detent 51 operable to engage a lip 123 of the firstcover member 102 when the first and second cover members are slidablyengaged, preventing the cover members 102, 152 from becoming disengaged.The quick-release device 50 may be released by manual pressure to permitslidable disengagement of the respective first and second cover member102, 152.

With further reference to FIG. 8C, in one embodiment, an access aperture198 may be formed in flange 164 to permit insertion of a tool to depressthe device 50, disengaging the detent 51 of device 50 from lip 123 andpermitting the first and second cover members to be disengaged bysliding the first cover member 102 in the opposite direction of arrow Ashown in FIG. 7A. Any tool sized and dimensioned to access the device 50through aperture 198 may be employed for this purpose. With reference toFIGS. 8D and 8E, in one embodiment a tool 18 is disclosed which isspecifically designed for the purpose of accessing the quick-releasedevice 50 through aperture 198 and depressing the device 50 to releasethe engagement between the cover members 102, 152. Tool 18 may beessentially a standard screwdriver modified to include a support 24extending therefrom. As shown in FIG. 8E, tool 18 is positioned with theworking end of the tool (i.e., the screwdriver end) in aperture 198 andsupport 24 is positioned adjacent brace 114. Downward pressure of thetool 18 on quick-release device 50 effects release of the device 50.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that any releasable engagementmeans may be employed in embodiments of the present disclosure. Forexample, screws, bolts and the like may be used to releasably engage thefirst and second cover members 102, 152.

The first and second cover members 102, 152 may be further secured toeach other by inserting a screw or the like through apertures 120, 190of the respective first and second cover members 102, 152 to preventvandalism, accidental displacement, etc.

The cover 100 may be secured to a surface such as a roadway by insertinga securing a stake, rebar spike or the like through apertures 110, 180of the cover 100 and through the ground.

The cover 100 may include surfaces operable to receive indicia and/orreflective material such as reflective paint, reflective sheeting suchas pressure sensitive reflective sheeting etc.

Now referring to FIG. 9, an elongated embodiment of the device 300 isshown. It will be apparent that the cover may be any length and anywidth to accommodate various arrangements of cables to be covered andvarious conditions. For example, in one embodiment the cover may havedimensions of about 12 to about 48 inches in length and about 8 to about16 inches in width. The height of each cover may be from about 4 toabout 8 inches. In one embodiment the cover is 12.26 inches in width,14.21 inches in length and 6.11 inches in height. In another embodimentthe cover is 12.26 inches in width, about 48 inches in length and 6.11inches in height. Similarly, the illustrated embodiments are configuredwith two substantially parallel conduits to enclose two cables side byside, each of which may be any diameter, for example 1 to 4 inches indiameter. It will be apparent the cover may be any size required for aparticular application, and the conduits may likewise be any size. Inone embodiment the cables to be enclosed may be 3.25 inches in diameter.The diameter of the conduits of the cover may be any size required toenclose cables, for example, from about 1 to about 5 inches. Moreover,more or fewer than two conduits may be provided in the cover. However,those skilled in the art will recognize that the dimensions of thedevice may be modified without departing from the spirit and/or scope ofthe invention.

With further reference to FIGS. 10A-10C, a system including pluralcovers 100 is provided wherein the plural covers 100 are couplable toprovide articulation between adjacent covers 100. The top surface of thesecond cover member 152 may include a region contoured to receive aportion of, and provide pivotable engagement with, a bottom surface ofan adjacent second cover member 152. The region may include the post 154of the second cover member 152. Recess 156 of second cover member 152 isconfigured to receive post 154 of a further second cover member 152 tobe coupled thereto. With post 154 positioned in recess 156, a pivotableconnection is formed between the adjacent second cover members 152. Asshown in FIG. 10B, a first cover member 102 is positionable over asecond cover member 152. The top surface of the first cover member 102may include a region contoured to receive a portion of, and providepivotable engagement with, a bottom surface of an adjacent first covermember 102. The region may include the recess of the first cover member102.

With further reference to FIG. 10C, a further first cover member 102 ispositionable over a further second cover member 152, wherein recess 106of the first cover member already positioned is operable to receive post104 of the further first cover member. With post 104 positioned inrecess 106, a pivotable connection is formed between the adjacent covers100. Further covers 100 may be added as needed. Adjacent cableprotection covers coupled to each other as disclosed herein are moveablein relation to each other, forming an articulated cable protectionsystem. The system is operable to flex in multiple directions includingleft, right, up and down and various degrees in between without anyother parts or attachments. For example, with reference to FIGS. 11A and11B, a cable protection system 400 is operable to articulate, permittingthe plurality of covers housing the cable to bend around corners andover curbs, speed bumps or any other uneven surface. The system 400 maybe configured to accommodate any number or size of cables to beprotected. The system 400 is configured to completely contain thecontained cable such that it protects the cable from outside elements.

The presently disclosed covers and systems may likewise be employed toprotect hoses, pipes and the like.

The covers 100 may be constructed of any suitable material. The covers100 are preferably formed of resilient, durable material so as to bereusable after each use. In one embodiment the first and second covermembers 102, 152 are constructed of HDPE, polymers with similarcharacteristics, fiberglass, metal, ceramic or other materials. Thefirst and second cover members 102, 152 may be unitarily molded covers.

Testing was performed on an embodiment shown in the FIGS. of the presentdisclosure made from HDPE. A loading force was placed vertically on thetop side surface of the cover 100 in those areas most likely to beaffected by the weight of a pneumatic tire. A testing assembly wasrigidly fixed at the bottom surfaces of the base, where it would rest ifplaced on a level ground surface. The stress results from the study showthat a maximum stress of 7,405 psi was obtained. The point where thematerial will start to bend is at 4,000 psi. In large part, stressesobtained from 2,500 lbf loading were relatively minor. Displacementresults showed that a maximum displacement of 0.260″ was obtained at theedge of the larger, unsupported opening when a 2,500 lbf load wasapplied. Strain results showed that covers in accordance with thepresently disclosed subject matter experienced a relatively small amountof strain as a result of the applied load.

Although the devices and systems of the present disclosure have beendescribed with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, the presentdisclosure is not limited thereby. Indeed, the exemplary embodiments areimplementations of the disclosed systems and methods are provided forillustrative and non-limitative purposes. Changes, modifications,enhancements and/or refinements to the disclosed systems and methods maybe made without departing from the spirit or scope of the presentdisclosure. Accordingly, such changes, modifications, enhancementsand/or refinements are encompassed within the scope of the presentinvention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A protective cover comprising a first covermember and a second cover member configured to mate with the first covermember to define at least one conduit operable to enclose a length ofmaterial to be protected, the first cover member comprising a topsurface comprising a recess formed therein proximate a first end of thefirst cover member, a bottom surface opposite the top surface comprisinga post extending substantially perpendicular from the bottom surface,the post positioned proximate a second end of the first cover memberopposite the first end, and at least one mating element disposed alongat least a portion of a periphery of the first cover member, the secondcover member comprising a top surface comprising a post extendingsubstantially perpendicular therefrom proximate a first end of thesecond cover member and a bottom surface opposite the top surfacecomprising a recess formed therein, the recess positioned proximate asecond end of the second cover member opposite the first end, and atleast one mating element disposed along at least a portion of aperiphery of the second cover member, wherein the at least one matingelement of the first cover member is operable to releasably engage theat least one mating element of the second cover member, wherein thecover is configured to be articulatably coupled to an adjacent cover. 2.The protective cover of claim 1 wherein the first cover member comprisesa wall disposed on and extending substantially perpendicular from thefirst cover member bottom surface, and the second cover member comprisesa wall disposed on and extending substantially perpendicular from thesecond cover member top surface, wherein at least a portion of the wallof the first cover member and at least a portion of the wall of thesecond cover member are configured to abut when the first cover memberis coupled to the second cover member.
 3. The protective cover of claim1 wherein the first cover member comprises at least one hemisphericalsection formed in the bottom surface thereof, the at least onehemispherical section oriented along the axis of the first and secondends of the first cover member.
 4. The protective cover of claim 1wherein the second cover member comprises at least one hemisphericalsection formed in the top surface thereof, the at least onehemispherical section oriented along the axis of the first and secondends of the second cover member.
 5. The protective cover of claim 1wherein the at least one mating element of the first cover membercomprises a flange extending from a side thereof and at least one lipdepending from the flange, and the at least one mating element of thesecond cover member comprising a flange extending from a side thereofand at least one lip receiving aperture configured to receive the atleast one lip of the first cover member.
 6. The protective cover ofclaim 1 wherein the mating elements of the first cover member and secondcover member are operable to be slidably engageable to each other. 7.The protective cover of claim 1 wherein the first cover member comprisesan aperture formed through the top and bottom surfaces thereof, and thesecond cover member comprises an aperture formed through the top andbottom surfaces thereof, wherein the aperture of the first cover memberand the aperture of the second cover member are positioned to be inregister when the first and second cover members are coupled.
 8. Theprotective cover of claim 5, wherein the at least one flange of thefirst cover member comprises an aperture formed therein and the at leastone flange of the second cover member comprises a further apertureformed therein, wherein the aperture formed in the flange of the firstcover member and the further aperture formed on the second cover memberare positioned to be in register when the first and second cover membersare coupled.
 9. The protective cover of claim 1 comprising aquick-release device operable to securably engage the first and secondcover members and further operable to release secure engagement of thefirst and second cover members upon application of pressure to thequick-release device.
 10. The protective cover of claim 9 wherein thequick-release device comprises a resilient strip positioned on at leastone flange of the second cover member, the strip comprising a detentoperable to engage a lip of the first cover member.
 11. The protectivecover of claim 1 wherein the recess of the second cover member isconfigured and positioned to receive a post of an adjacent second covermember.
 12. The protective cover of claim 1 wherein the recess of thefirst cover member is configured and positioned to receive a post of anadjacent first cover member.
 13. The protective cover of claim 1 whereinthe top surface of the second cover member comprises a region contouredto receive a portion of, and provide pivotable engagement with, a bottomsurface of an adjacent second cover member.
 14. The protective cover ofclaim 13 wherein the region contoured to receive a portion of a bottomsurface of an adjacent second cover member comprises the post.
 15. Theprotective cover of claim 1 wherein the top surface of the first covermember comprises a region contoured to receive a portion of, and providepivotable engagement with, a bottom surface of an adjacent first covermember.
 16. The protective cover of claim 15 wherein the regioncontoured to receive a portion of a bottom surface of an adjacent firstcover member comprises the recess.
 17. The protective cover of claim 1wherein the length of material to be protected is a length of electricalcable.
 18. A system according to claim 1 comprising a plurality of thecovers.
 19. A protective cover system comprising a plurality ofprotective covers, each of the protective covers comprising a firstcover member and a second cover member configured to mate with the firstcover member to define at least one conduit operable to enclose a lengthof material to be protected, the first cover member comprising a topsurface comprising a recess formed therein proximate a first end of thefirst cover member, a bottom surface opposite the top surface comprisinga post extending substantially perpendicular from the bottom surface,the post positioned proximate a second end of the first cover memberopposite the first end, and at least one mating element disposed alongat least a portion of a periphery of the first cover member, the secondcover member comprising a top surface comprising a post extendingsubstantially perpendicular therefrom proximate a first end of thesecond cover member and a bottom surface opposite the top surfacecomprising a recess formed therein, the recess positioned proximate asecond end of the second cover member opposite the first end, and atleast one mating element disposed along at least a portion of aperiphery of the second cover member, wherein the at least one matingelement of the first cover member is operable to releasably engage theat least one mating element of the second cover member, wherein thecover are configured to be articulatably coupled to adjacent covers. 20.The protective cover system of claim 19 wherein the length of materialto be protected is a length of electrical cable.